University of Delaware Athletics Salutes Black History Month

Courtesy: Delaware Athletics
Release: 02/02/2015

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During the month of February, University of Delaware Athletics is proud to join the celebration of Black History Month.

Each day during the month, we will recognize a former or current African-American student-athlete or coach who has used his or her hard work and talents to influence and build the great tradition of Blue Hens Athletics.

FEBRUARY 28

MIKE ADAMS (Football)One of the biggest success stories in University of Delaware football history, Mike Adams went from being a key member of the Blue Hens' 2003 national championship team to a National Football League All-Star.

A native of Paterson, N.J., Mike enjoyed an outstanding four-year career at Delaware in 1999-2003 as a defensive back, leading the Hens to a five-year mark of 44-19 under head coaches Tubby Raymond and K.C. Keeler.

As a sophomore he led the team to a 12-2 record and a berth in the national semifinals and as a senior co-captain in 2003, he led the team to a 15-1 record and the NCAA I-AA national title. He earned All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2003 when he recorded 70 tackles and four interceptions.

Originally a free agent signee with the San Francisco 49ers, he has gone on to a stellar National Football League career and recently closed out his 11th season in the league when he led the Indianapolis Colts to the AFC title game and became just the second former Blue Hen to be selected to play in the NFL Pro Bowl.

He played the 2013 season with the Denver Broncos and was a starting safety for a team that captured the AFC title and advanced to the Super Bowl. He played three years with the 49ers and five years with the Cleveland Browns prior to his two-year stint in Denver.

During his NFL tenure, Mike has played in 162 career games and recorded 629 tackles, five sacks, 18 interceptions, 59 pass breakups, and forced six fumbles. He is one of only two former Blue Hens to play in the Pro Bowl, one of only five to play in the Super Bowl, and his 162 games played are more than any UD player that made it to the NFL.

FEBRUARY 27

MIKE PEGUES (Men's Basketball)The all-time leading scorer in University of Delaware basketball history when he graduated, Mike Pegues took the Blue Hens to new heights under coach Mike Brey during his stellar career with the Blue Hens.

A native of Forestville, Md., the soft-shooting Pegues tallied 2,030 career points from 1996-2000 and became the first UD men’s basketball player to be named conference Player of the Year (1999-2000).

The only three-time first team all-conference selection in school history, the powerful but smooth forward led the Blue Hens to America East Conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths in 1998 and 1999 and to the NIT Tournament in 2000.

A two-time All-District selection and a 2000 CoSIDA Academic All-American, Mike was named the co-winner of the University-wide Alexander J. Taylor Outstanding Senior Male Student Award and was selected the UD Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year in 2000. He was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.

Mike set numerous school records and averaged 21.8 points per game as a junior and 20.8 ppg as a senior. He was selected as the top player in UD basketball history in an online fan poll as part of Delaware’s 100th Anniversary in 2005-06.

A 2000 communications graduate of Delaware, he played basketball overseas in Italy, New Zealand, England, and Argentina and played one season in the Continental Basketball Association. He returned home to serve as assistant coach at Delaware under Monté Ross in 2010-11 and is currently an assistant coach at Xavier University.

FEBRUARY 26

IVORY SULLY (Football)An elusive running back for head coach Tubby Raymond’s powerhouse Blue Hen football teams in 1976-78, Ivory Sully followed a spectacular college career at the University of Delaware with a outstanding nine-year tenure in the National Football League that included playing in Super Bowl XIX.

A native of Leonia, N.J., Ivory was a three-year standout in the UD backfield and on special teams and helped lead Blue Hens teams to a combined mark of 24-10-2, two Eastern College Athletic Conference Team of the Year Awards, and a runner-up finish at the 1978 NCAA Division II championship game.

He led that 1978 team in rushing with 730 yards and four touchdowns and finished his career ranked among the school’s all-time leaders with 1,359 yards. He also caught 25 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns, averaged 17.7 yards on 14 kickoff returns, and finished just shy of 2,000 career all-purpose yards.

He signed a free agent contract with the Los Angles Rams following the 1978 season and played with the team in 1979-84. He became the first UD football player to participate in the Super Bowl when the Rams played the Steelers in 1980. He also played two seasons with Tampa Bay and one with Detroit. He served as co-captain and special teams captain for the Rams and led the team to four NFL playoff appearances and served as a Pro Bowl alternate in 1984.

He was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

FEBRUARY 25

TYRESA SMITH (Women's Basketball)A phenomenal athlete, Tyresa worked tirelessly to become a complete all-around basketball player during her four standout years with Delaware women’s basketball squad in 2003-07.

A native of Dover, Del., Tyresa was not only an outstanding defender, but a consistently high scorer who used her slashing moves and deadly medium range jump shot to pile up 1,635 points, finishing her career ranked No. 2 on the all-time UD list.

She became the first UD player to earn WBCA All-Region honors, was a two-time first team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, was twice named the CAA Defensive Player of Year, and was selected as the UD Outstanding Senior Female Athlete of the Year in 2007. She was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Tyresa, who set UD records for points in a season (632) and steals in a career (342), led the Blue Hens to four post-season appearances, including a berth in the 2007 NCAA Tournament under head coach Tina Martin.

She became the first Delaware player to be selected in the WNBA Draft (No. 18) and played one season in the league with the Detroit Shock. She also played overseas for four years in Russia, Israel, and Germany. She earned her degree in health studies from Delaware in 2007.

FEBRUARY 24

DARYL BROWN (Football)A punishing fullback in Tubby Raymond’s Wing-T attack, no Blue Hen ever rushed for more yards in a game, season, or career than Daryl Brown.

A native of Landover, Md., the 6-3, 240 lb. Brown ran through and past defenders with his great size and speed. He played on some of Delaware’s greatest teams, leading the squad to two Yankee Conference titles and three NCAA I-AA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the semifinals in 1992.

Named the University of Delaware Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year in 1994-95, he set 14 school rushing records, including marks of rushing yards in a game (273 vs. Northeastern in 1994), season (1,469 in 1993), and career (4,587 - a former Yankee Conference record), as well as career touchdowns (47) and 100-yard rushing games (22).

He set a UD freshman record in 1991 when he rushed for 151 yards in a win over Maine and went on to be named the Yankee Conference Rookie of the Year. He followed by leading the squad in rushing each of his final three seasons, becoming just the fourth Blue Hen back to accomplish that feat.

He rushed for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore in 1992, 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 1993, and 1,317 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior co-captain in 1994.

Delaware teams were 37-12-1 during his career, including a conference record of 25-6, and won Yankee Conference titles in 1991 and 1992. The Blue Hens advanced to the NCAA I-AA Tournament in 1991, 1992, and 1993, advancing to the national semifinals in 1992 and to the quarterfinals in 1993.

A 1995 University of Delaware graduate, he earned consensus All-American honors in 1994, earned first team All-East honors in 1994, and was a two-time first team All-Yankee Conference selection. He earned a free agent tryout with the Arizona Cardinals following his career with the Blue Hens. He was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

FEBRUARY 23

KATIE LEE (Softball)Katie Lee, a native of Manassas, Va., was a four-year starter in centerfield for the Blue Hen softball team from 2005-08. She still ranks second in UD history with 200 career games played, while her 199 starts are tied for the school record.

Katie led Delaware with 29 runs scored and 12 stolen bases during her freshman campaign and ranked second on the squad with four triples and seven doubles in 2006.

As a junior, she tied for second on the Blue Hens with 35 hits and tied for third with 21 runs scored, while following the season she participated in the NCAA Leadership Conference.

Katie led Delaware with a .365 batting average, 32 runs scored and 46 hits during her senior year in 2008, when she was named second team All-CAA and the UD Alumni Association Team MVP. Additionally, following the year she earned the UD Student Services for Athletes Dr. Janice Jordan Award in recognition of a student-athlete who made outstanding academic progress.

She currently ranks second in Blue Hen history with 51 stolen bases, and is third with 105 runs scored. She also is 11th with 152 hits and ranks 12th with 24 doubles and 204 total bases.

FEBRUARY 22

DAVID HENDERSON (Men's Basketball)The first African-American head coach in University of Delaware athletics history, David Henderson served six years at the helm of the Blue Hen men’s basketball program from 2000 through 2006. His 85 wins are the sixth most in UD men’s basketball history.

During his first season in Newark, Henderson led Delaware to its fourth consecutive 20-win season by finishing 20-10 overall and 14-4 in the America East Conference. The Blue Hens advanced to the conference tournament championship game that year, before making the school’s only Postseason NIT appearance.

His 20-10 mark was the best rookie season in UD history, and he was just one of four rookie head coaches in Division I to win 20 games that season.

Henderson guided the Blue Hens to 14 wins and a berth in the CAA Tournament Semifinals during UD’s inaugural season in the league in 2001-02, while the following year’s squad posted 15 victories and again advanced to the conference semis.

Delaware went 16-12 overall and finished 10-8 in the CAA standings, before the Blue Hens won 20 combined games during his final two years.

FEBRUARY 21

DARRELL BOOKER (Football, Baseball)One of the finest linebackers in the history of Blue Hen football, Darrell Booker was one of the most feared defensive players in the country during his career as a four-year starter under head coach Tubby Raymond.

He earned consensus first team All-American honors as a middle linebacker in 1986 when he recorded 144 tackles and led the team to the Yankee Conference title and a berth in the NCAA I-AA quarterfinals.

A native of Willingboro, N.J., he earned second team All-American honors as a junior in 1985 when he recorded a school-record 153 tackles and was a two-time All-East selection.

He still holds school records for tackles in a game (23 -twice), season (153), and career (506).

Darrell also earned All-Yankee Conference honors in 1986 and earned a free agent tryout with the New Orleans Saints in 1988.

Also a two-year part-time starting outfielder for the University of Delaware baseball team, he batted .304 during the 1984 season under head coach Bob Hannah.

He was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.

FEBRUARY 20

IRV CARTY (Men's Cross Country/Track & Field)The first African-American student-athlete to earn a letter in University of Delaware athletics history, Irvin C. “Irv” Carty Jr. competed for the Blue Hen men’s cross country and outdoor track and field teams and earned three letters during his career.

A native of Wilmington, Del. (Howard High School), Carty lettered two seasons on the varsity in cross country for head coach D. Kenneth Steers and lettered one year on Steers’ outdoor track & field team as a 440-yard dash specialist.

He enjoyed solid success for the UD harriers in 1951-52 as one of the team’s top runners. He led the squad to a two-year dual record of 9-2, a sixth place finish at the 1951 Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, and a fourth place showing at the 1952 MAC meet. For his career, he recorded four top 10 meet finishes and competed at the MAC Championships both seasons.

In track & field, Irv competed during the 1952 season and was one of the team’s top middle distance competitors.

He rose to the rank of lieutenant in the U.S. Army and later earned the rank of major with the National Guard. He passed away in June, 2009 in Wilmington, Del. at the age of 77.

FEBRUARY 19

RAE EVERSON (Field Hockey)A four-year standout defender for the University of Delaware field hockey squad in 2006-09, Rae Everson was a standout not only on the field but in the classroom and in the community.

A native of Felton, Del. (Caesar Rodney High School), Rae was a standout back who started every one of the 73 career games she played in and recorded career totals of five goals and 10 assists.

As a senior, she led the Blue Hens to one of the finest seasons in school history for head coach Carol Miller as the team went 14-6, captured the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Rae started all 20 games that season, registered four goals and seven assists, and earned a spot on the CAA All-Tournament team.

In the classroom, Rae was a Dean’s List student who earned a spot on the CAA All-Academic Team all four years and was selected to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association national All-Academic team as a senior.

Rae also served as President of the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Council for two years, represented UD at the 2008 NCAA Student-Athlete Development Conference, and served a Walt Disney Wide World of Sports internship.

She also was a nominee for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, a nominee for CoSIDA Academic All-American honors, and earned the UD Student Services for Athletes Outstanding Contributor Award as a senior.

FEBRUARY 18

MARK MURRAY (Men's Basketball/Track & Field)Mark Murray led the resurgence of University of Delaware basketball under Hall of Fame coach Steve Steinwedel, leading the Blue Hens to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1992 while putting up big numbers as an all-around player in 1988-92.

A native of Asbury Park, N.J. and a 1992 Delaware graduate, Mark was a four-year starting swingman who led the team in scoring twice and was the No. 2 scorer on the 1991-92 squad that went 27-4, shattering the school record for wins in a season, went unbeaten in North Atlantic Conference play at 14-0, and became UD’s first NCAA Tournament qualifying squad.

He was the first player in school history to record over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 250 assists in a career and graduated as Delaware’s No. 2 all-time scorer with 1,559 points. He earned first team All-NAC honors twice and was a NAC All-Rookie selection.

He was selected to the Colonial Athletic Association’s Men’s Basketball Legends Team in 2009 and was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

Also a standout sprinter in track & field, Mark won two conference 100 meter titles, was part of three conference 400 meters relay champion teams, and set school records in the 400 meter relay (41.23) and 800 meter relay (1:27.44) events. His career-best time of 10.4 in the 100 meter dash ranks No. 2 all-time at Delaware.

FEBRUARY 17

TIARA MALCOM (Women's Basketball)A standout frontcourt player, Tiara Malcom earned a host of awards and set numerous school records during her stellar career at Delaware.

A native of Wilmington, Del. and a standout at nearby Caravel Academy, Tiara was an instant star for head coach Tina Martin and led her teams to a four-year record of 89-32, two Colonial Athletic Association regular season titles, and three post-season WNIT appearances.

A three-time all-conference selection, she was named the CAA Player of the Year as a senior in 2005 when she averaged a league-best 15.5 points per game and pulled 6.8 rebounds per contest. She also was selected as the 2005 University of Delaware Outstanding Senior Female Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

Tiara set Blue Hen women’s basketball standards for career free throws made (535, also a CAA record), games played (121), and double-figure scoring games (88) and ranked No. 4 all-time in scoring (1,545 points), No. 5 in blocked shots (109), and No. 9 in rebounding (794).

She earned her degree in family and community services in 2005 and her master’s degree in higher education administration in 2011, both from Delaware. After a brief professional career overseas, she returned to UD as an assistant coach and has served with the Blue Hens since the 2006-07 season.

During her tenure as an assistant coach, the Blue Hens have advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen with a 32-4 record in 2013 and to th NCAA second round in 2012 with a mark of 31-2.

FEBRUARY 16

CONWAY HAYMAN (Football)One of the top offensive linemen in University of Delaware football history, Conway Hayman led the Blue Hens to three consecutive Lambert Cup titles, three straight Boardwalk Bowl wins, and two straight Middle Atlantic Conference championships during his stellar career.

A Newark, Del. native, Conway was a consensus first team All-American and All-East selection at offensive guard in 1970 and was a two-time All-MAC selection.

He was a sixth round pick in the 1971 National Football League draft and went on to play 10 pro seasons, including six with the Houston Oilers. He played in 77 career games and played a key role in opening holes for Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell.

A member of the all-time Delaware Football team selected in 1989, Conway is also a member of the state of Delaware Sports Hall of Fame (1986) and was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.

He also served as head football coach at Prairie View A&M and was an assistant at Texas Southern and Florida A&M following his retirement from professional football.

FEBRUARY 15

ALEX COLES (Men's Basketball & Track & Field)One of the most exciting athletes in Delaware history, Alex was a high-flying forward in basketball and a record-setting high jumper in track and field during a career that spanned from 1988 until 1992.

Known for his breathtaking dunks, Alex was a four-year starter for the Blue Hen basketball team and was a standout on the finest team in school history, leading UD to a 27-4 record, the North Atlantic Conference title, and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1991-92 under head coach Steve Steinwedel.

A native of Richmond, Va., he was a three-time All-NAC selection and earned a spot on the 1989 NAC All-Rookie team.

He finished his career ranked among the top five all-time UD leaders in points (1,471), rebounds (711), and blocked shots (107), and set a still-standing school record with 146 dunks (almost 25 percent of his career field goals).

In track, he set the school high jump record (7-3 1/4) and went on to earn All-American honors with a fifth place finish at the 1990 NCAA Championships while twice earning All-East honors.

He also was named the 1992 UD Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year and was inducted into the Universit of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

FEBRUARY 14

WENDY MCFARLANE (Women's Cross Country & Track & Field Coach)The first female African-American head coach in University of Delaware Athletics history, Wendy has led the Blue Hens cross country squad since 2012 and the indoor and outdoor track & field teams since 2008.

A native of St. Mary, Jamaica, Wendy went on to star as a sprinter at the University of Tulsa, setting several school relay records and earning numerous academic honors. She earned her degree in 2001 and her master’s degree from Frostburg (Md.) State in 2005.

She served two stints as an assistant coach at Delaware in 2002-03 and 2007-08 – working with both the men’s and women’s teams - before taking over the head coaching job in 2008. She also was an assistant at Frostburg State.

Since taking over at Delaware, she has seen her athletes set multiple school records and win numerous conference championships.

She has quickly built her outdoor teams into a Colonial Athletic Association power as the Blue Hens finished as league runner-up in 2013 before capturing the overall title this past spring. The title was the first outdoor championship for the UD women since 1991.

The Hens won six individual titles at the CAA meet led by Meet Outstanding Performer Lindsay Prettyman. For her efforts, Wendy was named the CAA Coach of the Year.

FEBRUARY 13

EVANS FRIMPONG (Men's Soccer)A high-scoring forward for the Delaware men’s soccer squad, Evans Frimpong was a two-year standout in 2010-11 and led the Blue Hens to unprecedented heights.

A native of Ghana, Evans was among the most feared offensive threats in the Colonial Athletic Association and for good reason as the speedy senior finished the 2011 season among the league leaders with 12 goals and five assists.

Evans’ play helped Delaware and head coach Ian Hennessy post a record of 13-6-4, win their first-ever CAA Tournament title, and advance to the NCAA Tournament for just the third time in school history in 2011. The Hens knocked off national power Virginia 1-0 in the opening round before falling to eventual national semifinalist UCLA in the second round.

A sociology major, he earned a host of awards for his outstanding play. He was a second team NSCA All-American, becoming the Hens’ first All-American since Dave Whitcraft in 1984, and also earned first team All-South Atlantic Region, first team All-East, and CAA Player of the Year honors. He became the first Delaware player to earn conference Player of the Year laurels since Whitcraft in 1983.

In addition, he was a semifinalist for the Herrmann Trophy which is awarded to the national player of the year and became the first player in UD history to be drafted in the Major League Soccer Draft when he was selected in the third round by the Chicago Fire.

He played with the Tampa Rowdies of the North American Soccer League in 2012-14 and is presently with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL.

FEBRUARY 12

DENNIS JOHNSON (Football)Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in University of Delaware football history, Dennis enjoyed an All-American career at defensive tackle for the Blue Hens in 1970-72.

The inspirational leader for the Blue Hens under head coach Tubby Raymond, Dennis helped Delaware win consecutive Small College National titles in 1971-72 and three straight Lambert Cup trophies. He played on teams that posted an incredibile three-year record of 29-3, including marks of 10-1 in 1971 and 10-0 in 1972.

The team captain of the undefeated 10-0 squad in 1972, Dennis earned All-American honors twice and was named to Delaware’s All-Time team in 1989. He collected 215 career tackles, one of the highest totals ever for a UD defensive lineman.

A 13th round draft pick by Washington in the 1973 National Football League draft, Dennis went on to play five seasons with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills and was the first Blue Hens alum to start a game in the NFL.

A native of Passaic, N.J., he died in 1997 at the age of 46. He was inducted into the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.

FEBRUARY 11

KIM STEWART (Volleyball)One of the top outside hitters in Delaware volleyball history, Kim Stewart led the Blue Hens to four conference championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances during a career that spanned 2008-11.

Playing for head coach Bonnie Kenny, Kim was a four-year standout who played in 130 straight matches at one point and finished her career ranked No. 10 in digs (1,439) and No. 12 in kills (1,222) in UD history.

After earning third team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors and CAA Rookie of the Year notice as a freshman in 2008, Kim went on to earn All-CAA honors again in 2009 and 2011 and was an all-region selection in 2010 and 2011.

She was the CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Performer in 2011 and also earned CAA All-Tournament notice in 2010. In addition, she earned team MVP honors and was Delaware’s NCAA Woman of the Year Award nominee in 2011.

A native of Kentwood, Mich. and a 2011 team co-captain, she led her teams to an impressive four-year mark of 87-43 that included CAA Tournament championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010, CAA regular season titles in 2009, 2010, and 2011 , and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2008, 2010, and 2011.

After graduation, she served one year on the coaching staff as an assistant coach.

FEBRUARY 10

RANDY SIMMONS (Baseball)An outstanding left-handed hitter and a hard-throwing lefty pitcher, Randy starred for the University of Delaware baseball squad during the late 1980’s.

Playing for Hall of Fame head coach Bob Hannah, Randy lettered three seasons in 1986-88 as a versatile outfielder, first baseman, and left-handed pitcher. He led the Blue Hens to the 1987 East Coast Conference regular season titles and two other runner-up finishes.

A Delaware native, Randy was a two-time All-East Coast Conference first team performer and earned ECC Player of the Year honors in 1988 when he batted .360 with a team-high 50 runs batted in, 10 home runs, and 22 stolen bases and went 4-0 with a 4.75 earned run average on the mound in eight starts.

During the 1987 season, Randy batted .343 with a team-high 50 runs scored, 31 RBI, 10 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. He played in 97 career games and batted .351 with 81 RBI, 20 home runs, and 32 stolen bases. On the mound, he appeared in 34 games with 24 starts and posted a 16-6 record with seven complete games, 114 strikeouts, and a 4.83 ERA.

Randy was selected in the 19th round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves and played four seasons in the minors, moving as high as as AA ball. He hit .233 with 33 home runs, 178 RBI, and 56 stolen bases during his professional career.

FEBRUARY 9

SPENCER DUNKLEY (Men's Basketball)The finest true center in University of Delaware men’s basketball history, Spencer Dunkley quickly went from a freshman backup to a National Basketball Association prospect under head coach Steve Steinwedel.

The 6-11 native of Wolverhampton, England dominated North Atlantic Conference opponents as an intimidating shot-blocker, tenacious rebounder, and dependable scorer during his career in the early 1990’s. He was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

Spencer led the Blue Hens to back-to-back NAC titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1992 and 1993, leading the 1991-92 squad to the best season in school history with a mark of 27-4. He earned first team All-District, first team All-NAC, and second team All-East (ECAC) honors as a senior in 1993 and was selected in the second round of the NBA draft later that year by the Indiana Pacers.

He set 12 school records during his career, including career rebounds (a one-time NAC record of 916) and blocked shots (195), and his 1,154 points ranked him No. 11 all-time at Delaware upon graduation. He also was named to the Delaware Men’s Basketball 100th Anniversary All-Time team in 2006.

He later enjoyed a 10-year professional basketball career overseas in Israel, Italy, Spain, France, and Russia. He still resides in Delaware.

FEBRUARY 8

JANICE JORDAN-COLEMAN (Athletics Administration)A 20-year member of the University of Delaware faculty, Janice Jordan Coleman was a pioneer in the area of academic counseling for Blue Hen student-athletes.

An Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Development, she was appointed as the first Director of Student Services for Athletes for the UD athletics program in 1990 and served for eight years in that capacity.

A native of Lexington, N.C., Janice earned her bachelor’s degree from Antioch (Ohio) College in 1971, her master’s degree from Delaware in 1975, and her doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1985.

As Director of Student Services for Athletes, she coordinated classes on study skills and drug education and made student-athletes aware of academic and social resources on campus. She served as a counselor, mentor, and friend to hundreds of Blue Hen student-athletes.

She passed away in 1998 following a courageous battle with cancer. She was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame posthumously in 2004.

FEBRUARY 7

MIKE BROWN (Football/Track & Field)One of the greatest runners in Delaware’s proud football tradition, MIke Brown was one of the nation’s top halfbacks in the early 1960’s.

A three-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, he was named All-East and first team Associated Press All-American in 1963. He rushed for 1,674 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career and his 838 yards as a senior in 1963 was the second highest total in UD history.

A 1964 Delaware graduate, Mike was a member of two Middle Atlantic Conference and Lambert Cup champion teams and led the undefeated 1963 team to the UPI Small College national title for Hall of Fame head coach David Nelson.

In track and field, he set five school sprint records during his career while running for head coach Jimmy Flynn.

A native Delawarean, MIke was named the UD Outstanding Senior Male Athlete in 1964, was inducted into the statewide Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, and was a member of the second UD Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1998.

He earned a combined six letlters in his UD athletics career.

FEBRUARY 6

DAVID SHEPPARD (Men's Track & Field)David Sheppard is the most prolific runner in Blue Hen men's track and field history, winning more conference titles than any athlete in any sport at Delaware.

A native of New Castle, Del. (William Penn HS) and a 1990 University of Delaware honors graduate with a degree in accounting, David specialized in the sprint and middle distance events and was nearly unbeatable, capturing 14 East Coast Conference individual and relay titles, including nine outdoors and five indoors in 1986-90.

A team captain for head coach Jim Fischer, David was named the ECC championship meet Outstanding Performer an unprecedented three times and set seven school records, including still standing marks in the 400 meters both indoors (47.98) and outdoors (47.02).

A member of the state’s Delaware Track and Field Hall of Fame (2001) and UD Athletics Hall of Fame (2002), he earned CoSIDA District II All-Academic honors as a senior in 1990 and twice was named the ECC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his sport.

He also earned All-East honors for IC4A Top 10 finishes four times during his career, placing fifth in the 400 meters and sixth in the 200 meters at the 1990 outdoor meet and placing seventh in the 400 meters in 1989 and ninth in the 400 meters in 1990 indoors

FEBRUARY 5

CINDY JOHNSON (Women's Basketball)Cindy Johnson played a pivotal role in the rise of University of Delaware women’s basketball in the late 1990’s under coach Tina Martin and finished her career as the school’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most honored players in Blue Hen history.

A native of Far Rockaway, N.Y., Cindy’s fast-paced style of play in the backcourt helped lead the Blue Hens to a record of 73-24 over her final three seasons, culminating in a 26-5 mark in 2000-01 when Delaware captured the America East title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.

A 2001 graduate of Delaware, she was named the 2001 UD Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year after a season that saw her average 17.3 points per game and finish as runner-up in America East Player of the Year voting.

A four-year starter, Cindy earned all-league honors three times and averaged double figure scoring all four years. Among her school records were most points scored in a season (520) and career (1,675). She also was the first UD player to earn an invitation to the Women’s National Basketball Association Draft Camp and played professionally overseas. She was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.

Following her playing career, she co-founded Arlington Pride and Sports Franchise Solutions, an Arlington, Va.-based AAU program which provides a variety of multi-sport programs for boys and girls ages 6-18.

FEBRUARY 4

NATE BEASLEY (Football)A hard-charging running back, Nate starred for some of the top Blue Hen teams in school history in the early 1970’s under coach Tubby Raymond.

A native of Dover, Del., Nate transferred from Delaware State and made an instant impact at UD, leading Blue Hen offenses that literally ran over opponents. His punishing running helped him rank No. 2 all-time at Delaware with 2,697 career yards and his 73.9 yards per game, 13 100-yard rushing games, and 20 touchdowns all ranked among the best marks in school annals.

He led Delaware to a three-year mark of 28-9 in 1973-75 that included an NCAA national runner-up finish in 1974 when the team went 12-2, two Lambert Cup Trophies, and an ECAC Team of the Year Award. He was a two-time All-East selection, earned third team All-American honors in 1974 when he rushed for a school-record 1,397 yards, and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 1976 National Football League Draft.

A 1977 Delaware graduate, he was inducted into the Delaware Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2009 and the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. The MVP of the annual Delaware-Delaware State football game receives the Nate Beasley Award in his honor.

Nate went on to coach 13-15 year olds in the Capitol Trail Football League in New Castle County for five years, sending many on to successful college careers, and later was instrumental in establishing a girls basketball recreation league in Wilmington. For 10 years, he was a member of IAABO Board 11 of basketball officials. He worked as a program manager at Independent Living Center before stepping down for health reasons. He passed away in March, 2010 at the age of 56.

FEBRUARY 3

KEN LUCK (Men's Basketball/Track & Field)One of the most exciting basketball players in University of Delaware history, high-flying Ken Luck held the Blue Hen career scoring record with 1,613 points from 1978-82 and his record was not topped until the 1996-97 season.

Ken held 13 school records when he graduated - many that stood for over a decade - including career field goals made and dunks in a game. He averaged 20.0 points per game as a senior in 1981-82 when he recorded a career-high 40 points in a win over West Chester.

He earned Associated Press honorable mention All-American honors in 1981 and 1982 - becoming the first and only UD player to earn All-American honors in two different seasons - and was selected by the Washington Bullets in the eighth round of the 1982 National Basketball Association draft. He was also a two-time All-East Coast Conference selection.

In outdoor track and field, Ken's career-best outdoor triple jump of 49-9 3/4 remains a University of Delaware record.

A 1982 graduate of Delaware, Ken was a charter member of the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.

He currently serves as an administrative commissioner in the Wicomico County District Court and resides in the Salisbury, Md. area.

FEBRUARY 2

DIONNE JONES (Women's Track & Field)One of the most dominating track performers in Delaware history, Dionne Jones (Dendy) was virtually unbeatable in the sprint events during her stellar career in 1988-91 for head coach Sue McGrath-Powell.

A seven-time letterwinner, Dionne established seven school records and won 15 conference titles, more than any female athlete in UD history. A native of Camden, N.J. (Haddon Heights High School), she won eight East Coast Conference outdoor sprint titles and seven indoor titles and is the only athlete in school history be named the league meet Outstanding Performer three times, earning the honors indoors in 1990 and 1991 and outdoors in 1991.

She won three straight ECC indoor 55 meter titles and three consecutive outdoor 100 meter titles at one point and also led Blue Hen teams to three conference team titles.

A 1992 Delaware graduate, she set school records in the indoor 55 meters (7.21), 200 meters (25.60), and mile relay, and the outdoor 100 meters (11.81), 200 meters (24.81), 400 meter relay (47.75), and mile relay (3:55.37). She was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

She currently is a senior oncology clinical coordinator at Genentech in the Philadelphia area.

FEBRUARY 1

LENNY WILLIAMS (Football)Leonard L. “Lenny” Williams was the first African-American football player in University of Delaware history when he was a center during the 1953-55 seasons playing for head coach Dave Nelson.

A native of Wilmington, Lenny went on to serve as a Delaware civil rights pioneer and a distinguished municipal court judge. He passed away on March 2, 2013 after a brief illness.

A true pioneer throughout his lifetime, the University of Delaware was proud to recognize Lenny as the Honorary Captain for the Towson at Delaware football game in 2012 at Delaware Stadium.

Lenny enrolled at UD two years after the 1950 Parker vs. University of Delaware decision that desegregated the University and became the first African-American to compete for the Blue Hen football squad.

He was a three-year letterwinner in 1953-55, starting as a senior and helping lead the team to an impressive three-year mark of 23-4.

In addition to practicing law for 50 years, Lenny served as a Municipal Court Judge for 35 years in the City of Wilmington before retiring from the bench.